Gostanza Character Analysis in The Decameron

Gostanza appears in Emilia’s fifth tale (V, 2). She is a beautiful young noblewoman whose parents won’t allow her to marry Martuccio Gomito because he is poor. When she believes that he has drowned, she casts herself on the mercy of the waves and is eventually reunited with Martuccio in Tunisia, thanks to the help of Carapresa and the Saracen Lady. She and Martuccio become happy lovers when they’re reunited, enriched by the gifts of Mulay Abd Allah, and married.

Gostanza Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Gostanza appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...rewarded—rather than punished as it was in yesterday’s tales. In Lipari, a noble girl named Gostanza loves Martuccio Gomito, but her father refuses to allow their marriage because Martuccio—although “handsome and... (full context)

Gostanza is heartbroken at the news of Martuccio Gomito’s death. She wants to die, too, but... (full context)

In Susa, a poor woman (later identified as Carapresa) discovers Gostanza. Carapresa speaks Italian, and she coaxes Gostanza into coming home with her and eating. She... (full context)

Time had been cooling the flames of Gostanza’s love, but when she hears that Martuccio Gomito is alive and a rich man in... (full context)